Valve with guide lip

Abstract

A valve (1) is disclosed comprising a valve housing (2) having a first port (4) and a second port (5). The valve housing (2) accommodates a valve element (8) movable between a first end position and a second end position, the first end position defining a fully open fluid connection between the first port (4) and the second port (5), and the second end position defining a fully closed fluid connection between the first port (4) and the second port (5). The intermediate position of the valve element (8) defines a partially open fluid connection between the first port (4) and the second port (5). The valve element (8) is movable along the opening (13) towards the second port (5), the opening (13) towards the second port (5) being provided with a lip (15) along the edge of the opening (13), the lip (15) abutting the valve element (8) at least in a region close to the opening (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve that includes a valve housing accommodating a movable valve element for controlling the fluid flow through the valve. The valve according to the present invention provides very precise control of the fluid flow through the valve. Background Art

[0002] Controllable valves typically include a movable valve element accommodated in a valve housing in such a way that the movement of the valve element controls the fluid flow through the valve. For example, the position of the movable valve element can determine at least one opening degree of the valve. The movement of the valve element, and thus the fluid flow through the valve, can be controlled by appropriately controlling an actuator operably connected to the movable valve element.

[0003] The valve element can move, for example, along at least one opening formed inside the valve such that the position of the valve element relative to the opening defines the cross-sectional dimension of the opening through which fluid can flow, thereby defining the opening degree of the valve relative to the fluid connection including the opening.

[0004] Generally, the relationship between the position of the valve element and the fluid flow through the opening is not linear and is not well-defined in other ways, so it may be difficult to control the position of the valve element in a way that results in a desired and well-defined fluid flow through the valve. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a valve that allows precise and well-defined control of the fluid flow through the valve.

[0006] The present invention provides a valve that includes a valve housing having a first port and a second port, the valve housing accommodating a valve element capable of moving between a first end position and a second end position, the first end position defining a fully open fluid connection between the first port and the second port, and the second end position defining a fully closed fluid connection between the first port and the second port, and wherein an intermediate position of the valve element defines a partially open fluid connection between the first port and the second port,

[0007] wherein the valve element is capable of moving along the opening towards the second port, and wherein the opening towards the second port is provided with a lip along an edge of the opening, the lip abutting against the valve element at least in a region close to the opening.

[0008] Thus, the valve according to the present invention includes a valve housing having a first port and a second port, and the valve thus defines a fluid connection between the first port and the second port. The fluid flowing through the valve can flow in either direction, that is, from the first port serving as the fluid inlet to the second port serving as the fluid outlet, or from the second port serving as the fluid inlet to the first port serving as the liquid outlet. Depending on the requirements at a given point in time, the direction of fluid flow through the valve can even be selected.

[0009] The valve housing houses a valve element that can move between a first end position and a second end position. The first end position defines a fully open fluid connection between the first port and the second port, and the second end position defines a fully closed fluid connection between the first port and the second port. Thus, when the valve element is in the second end position, the fluid connection between the first port and the second port is completely closed, and there is no fluid flow in the fluid connection. If the valve element is moved away from the second end position, the fluid connection between the first port and the second port gradually opens until it reaches the first end position, where the fluid connection is fully open. Thus, when the valve element is arranged at an intermediate position between the first end position and the second end position, the fluid connection between the first port and the second port is partially open. Therefore, the position of the valve element determines the fluid flow rate through the fluid connection between the first port and the second port, and thus determines the fluid flow rate through the valve.

[0010] The valve element can move along an opening facing the second port, and thus the opening is arranged in or forms part of the fluid connection between the first port and the second port. Therefore, the position of the valve element relative to the opening defines the cross-sectional dimension of the opening through which the fluid can flow, and thus defines the opening degree of the valve relative to the fluid connection between the first port and the second port.

[0011] The opening facing the second port is provided with a lip along the edge of the opening, and the lip abuts against the valve element at least in the region close to the opening. Thus, when the valve element moves along the opening, it remains adjacent to the lip along the edge of the opening. This ensures that when the valve element is in a given position, the cross-sectional dimension and shape of the opening available for fluid flow are well defined. Thus, a well-defined opening degree is obtained, making the flow characteristics of the valve very accurate and reliable. In addition, the lip allows the flow characteristics of the valve to be designed to meet certain requirements. For example, the flow characteristics can be linear, but alternative flow characteristics can also be obtained. Therefore, the valve can be controlled in a very precise and reliable manner. In addition, the abutment between the valve element and the lip can reduce the risk of internal leakage in the region close to the movable valve element.

[0012] In the present context, the term "lip" shall be construed as a relatively narrow feature arranged along the edge of the opening. For example, the lip can be formed as a protrusion on the part of the valve that forms the opening and can be, for example, directly molded as part of that part during the manufacturing process. As an alternative, the lip can be a separate part mounted on the part of the valve that forms the opening.

[0013] Thus, since the abutment between the valve element and the opening edge is obtained through the lip arranged along the opening edge, during the movement of the valve element, due to the relatively small potential contact area, for example, in the case of deposited impurities, the risk of friction between the valve element and the adjacent part of the valve is minimized, thereby reducing adhesion or the like that may affect the valve control accuracy, achieving precise control of the valve.

[0014] In addition to the opening, the part where the valve lip is formed or on which the valve lip is mounted can be a rigid and substantially solid part. This will substantially prevent the component holding the lip from bending or moving during valve operation. For example, the movement of the movable valve element in abutment with the lip does not cause the lip to be pushed away by the movable valve element. Thus, in this case, the position of the lip towards the movable valve element is well defined, which helps to improve the control accuracy of the valve. For example, the lip can protrude from a substantially firm and rigid surface in the direction towards the movable valve element.

[0015] The lip can follow a tapered or curved path along the edge of the opening. For example, the edge can follow a tapered or curved path and the lip can follow the path of the edge. This tapered or curved path ensures that the opening and closing of the fluid connection between the first port and the second port are performed smoothly, thereby significantly reducing the risk of undesired flow effects (such as hammering). In addition, the tapered or curved path can be designed in such a way as to provide a substantially linear relationship between the position of the valve element and the fluid flow rate through the opening, making it easier to precisely control the valve.

[0016] The opening towards the second port can have a shape that is narrower in the region near the second end position than in the region near the first end position. According to this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the opening towards the second port is such that when the valve element is in the position near the second end position, i.e., when it is approaching the fully closed position, a narrow opening or flow channel is defined. On the other hand, when the valve element is approaching the first end position, i.e., when it is approaching the fully open position, a wider opening or flow channel is defined. This ensures that when the valve element is moved away from the second end position, thereby opening the channel through the opening, this results in a gradual and smooth opening of the channel. Similarly, when the valve element is moved towards the second end position, thereby closing the channel through the opening, this also occurs in a progressive and smooth manner.

[0017] For example, the opening may have a substantially triangular shape or a shape similar to a triangle, where one or more edges of the triangle are curved. Alternatively, the opening may have a stepped shape.

[0018] The edge of the opening and / or the lip may follow a smooth curve between the region near the first end position and the region near the second end position. According to this embodiment, it is ensured that when the valve element moves between the first end position and the second end position, the cross-sectional dimension of the flow passage through the opening does not change suddenly. This provides well-defined flow characteristics, enables accurate and reliable control of the valve, and significantly reduces the risk of unwanted flow effects (such as water hammer).

[0019] The valve element may be positioned at a distance from the wall portion of the valve in a region away from the lip, so as to define an internal space between the valve element and the wall portion. According to this embodiment, it is ensured that contact or abutment between the movable valve element and other parts of the valve arranged near the movable valve element occurs only in the narrow region defined by the lip. Thus, the internal space defined between the valve element and the wall portion ensures that during the movement of the valve element, the friction between the valve element and other parts of the valve (such as due to impurities adhering to the surface) is minimized. In addition, the internal space may be configured to allow debris or other impurities contained in the fluid flowing through the valve to pass through the valve, thereby preventing these debris or impurities from adhering to the surface of the valve. This prevents these debris or impurities from reaching the components of the valve where they would have an adverse effect on the operation of the valve, such as the movable parts or the sealing elements of the valve.

[0020] The internal space may also be defined by the lip. In this case, the lip may continue to extend along the wall portion away from the opening and form an abutting connection between the movable valve element and the wall portion, which defines the boundary of the internal space.

[0021] The lip may form a guiding surface for impurities towards the internal space between the valve element and the wall portion. According to this embodiment, it is effectively ensured that debris or other impurities present in the fluid flowing through the valve are allowed to pass through the valve rather than adhering to components of the valve that may be adversely affected by these debris or impurities, such as the movable valve element.

[0022] The lip can form part of a separate guiding insert mounted in the inner part of the valve housing. According to this embodiment, an opening and a lip arranged along its edge are formed in the separate guiding insert, which is then mounted in the inner part of the valve. This is a simple way to provide an opening and a lip with the desired shape and dimensions, which provides the proper and desired flow characteristics of the valve. In addition, this allows the application of a guiding insert with a design that matches the requirements of a specific valve to be used in a particular environment while using a standard or common valve housing. Thus, various customized valves can be provided using standard parts, achieving this without overly increasing the manufacturing cost. Apart from the opening formed therein, the guiding insert can be, for example, a substantially rigid and solid component.

[0023] In the case where the valve is of the type that defines an internal space between a movable valve element and a wall portion, the wall portion can also form part of the guiding insert. In this case, the guiding insert forms an interface between the movable valve portion and the rest of the valve, against which the valve element moves. For example, the valve element can move within the guiding insert, which thereby guides the movement of the movable valve element.

[0024] The separate guiding insert can be made of a composite material. The composite material can be, for example, a polymer-based material such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), glass-filled polymer (GF), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), or a combination of two or more of these materials. It is well known that such composite materials are durable, low-cost, and lightweight. Thus, forming the separate guiding insert from a composite material results in a valve in which the valve portion against which the movable valve element moves is durable, dimensionally and mechanically stable when exposed to the fluid flowing through the valve at low and high temperatures, lightweight, and can be manufactured at low cost. In addition, it is easy to manufacture a guiding insert with an opening and a lip whose shape and dimensions match the various requirements of the valve, such as in terms of flow characteristics.

[0025] Other parts of the valve, such as the valve housing and / or the movable valve element, can also be made of a composite material. For example, the valve element can be made of polysulfone (PPSU). For example, this will allow the provision of a valve element with a complex shape in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0026] As an alternative to providing a separate guiding insert, the opening and the lip towards the second port can be formed directly in a suitable part of the valve housing.

[0027] The valve may further include a first valve seat, and when the valve element is in the second end position, the valve element may abut against the first valve seat. According to this embodiment, when the valve element is in the second end position, thus closing the fluid connection between the first port and the second port, it abuts against the first valve seat. Abutting against the first valve seat ensures that the fluid connection is properly closed, thereby minimizing potential internal leakage.

[0028] The first valve seat may be a sealing element. According to this embodiment, when the valve element is in the second end position, the abutment between the valve element and the first valve seat is a sealing abutment, so that when the fluid connection between the first port and the second port is completely closed, potential internal leakage is even more effectively reduced.

[0029] The valve may be a three-way valve, and the valve housing may further have a third port, and the first end position may define a completely closed fluid connection between the first port and the third port, the second end position may define a completely open fluid connection between the first port and the third port, and an intermediate position of the valve element may define a partially open fluid connection between the first port and each of the second port and the third port, and the valve element may also move along the opening towards the third port.

[0030] According to this embodiment, the valve may establish a fluid connection between the first port and each of the second port and the third port. Thus, in the case where the first port forms the fluid inlet of the valve, the second port and the third port each form a liquid outlet of the valve. In this case, the fluid flow received in the valve through the first port can be selectively distributed to the second port and / or the third port. In the case where the first port forms the fluid outlet of the valve, the second port and the third port each form a liquid inlet of the valve. In this case, the fluids received in the valve via the second port and the third port respectively can be mixed before being supplied to the first port.

[0031] According to this embodiment, the valve element may move along the opening towards the second port and along the opening towards the third port. Thus, the position of the valve element basically determines the fluid flow in the fluid connection between the first port and the second port, and the liquid flow in the fluid connection between the first port and the third port in the above manner.

[0032] When the valve element is in the first end position, the fluid connection between the first port and the second port is fully open, while the fluid connection between the first port and the third port is fully closed. On the other hand, when the valve element is in the second end position, the fluid connection between the first port and the third port is fully open, while the fluid connection between the first port and the second port is fully closed. Thus, when the valve element moves from the first end position towards the second end position, the fluid connection between the first port and the second port gradually closes, while the fluid connection between the first port and the third port gradually opens. Similarly, when the valve element moves from the second end position towards the first end position, the fluid connection between the first port and the second port gradually opens, while the fluid connection between the first port and the third port gradually closes.

[0033] For example, a three-way valve can be used in a heat pump or other applications that may require mixing fluid streams.

[0034] The opening towards the third port may also be provided with a lip along the edge of the opening, and the lip abuts against the valve element at least in the region near the opening towards the third port. According to this embodiment, both the opening towards the second port and the opening towards the third port are provided with lips. The above description regarding the lip provided along the edge of the opening towards the second port also applies to the lip provided along the edge of the opening towards the third port.

[0035] For example, the opening towards the third port and the associated lip may be formed in a guiding insert mounted in the inner part of the housing. The opening towards the second port, the opening towards the third port, and the corresponding lips may be formed in the same guiding insert, or they may be formed in two different separate guiding inserts, which may be connected to each other, for example. The two guiding inserts may be the same, for example arranged in a mirror image of each other.

[0036] The three-way valve may include a first valve seat and a second valve seat, and the valve element may abut against the first valve seat when in the second end position and against the second valve seat when in the first end position. This provides proper closing of the fluid connection between the first port and the second port, as well as proper closing of the fluid connection between the first port and the second port, thus minimizing internal leakage. The above description regarding the first valve seat also applies here.

[0037] The valve may also include a sealing portion configured to prevent fluid from flowing between the second port and the third port. According to this embodiment, internal leakage between the second port and the third port is effectively prevented. The sealing member may be arranged adjacent to the movable valve element, for example. In this case, the valve element moves against the sealing element during valve operation.

[0038] As an alternative to the three-way valve, the valve can be a two-way valve that includes only a first port and a second port. In this case, the movement of the valve element within the valve housing controls only the fluid flow between the first port and the second port. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0040] Figure 1 and Figure 2 a valve according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown,

[0041] Figure 3 is Figure 1 and Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of the valve,

[0042] Figure 4 and Figure 5 is Figure 3 details of the cross-sectional view of the valve, in which the movable valve element is in a first end position and a second end position,

[0043] Figures 6a - 10b shows the movement of the valve element of the valve according to an embodiment of the present invention between the first end position and the second end position, and

[0044] Figures 11 - 13 shows a guide insert for the valve according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Figure 1 and Figure 2 show a valve 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the valve 1, Figure 2 is a side view of the valve 1.

[0046] The valve 1 includes a valve housing 2 and an actuator housing 3 mounted on the valve housing 2. The valve housing 2 houses a movable valve element (not shown), and the actuator housing 3 houses an actuator (not shown) operably connected to the movable valve element. Thus, proper operation of the actuator will cause movement of the valve element, thereby controlling the fluid flow through the valve 1.

[0047] The valve housing 2 has three ports in the form of a first port 4, a second port 5, and a third port 6. A fluid connection can be selectively established between the first port 4 and each of the second port 5 and the third port 6. Thus, the valve 1 is a three-way valve.

[0048] The actuator housing 3 includes a power supply connection 7 that allows power to be supplied to the actuator within the actuator housing 3, such as to a motor arranged inside the actuator housing 3, such as an electric stepper motor.

[0049] Figure 3 is Figure 1 and Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of valve 1 in []. The valve element 8 is received in the valve housing 2 and is operatively connected via the cup-shaped connecting element 10 and the valve stem 11 to an actuator 9 received in the actuator housing 3. Thus, proper operation of the actuator 9 causes the valve element 8 to move within the valve housing 2 towards or away from the actuator housing 3.

[0050] The valve element 8 is arranged within a guide insert 12 in which an opening 13 towards the second port 5 and an opening 14 towards the third port 6 are formed. Thus, the valve element 8 moves along the opening 13 towards the second port 5 and along the opening 14 towards the third port 6. Thus, the position of the valve element 8 determines the cross-sectional dimensions of the opening 13 and the cross-sectional dimensions of the opening 14 available for fluid flow through the respective openings 13, 14, and thus determines whether and to what extent the fluid connection between the first port 4 and the second port 5 and the fluid connection between the first port 4 and the third port 6 are open. This will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 6a - 10b the movement of the valve element 8 is described in more detail.

[0051] The guide insert 12 includes a lip 15 arranged along the edge of the opening 13 towards the second port 5 and a lip 16 arranged along the edge of the opening 14 towards the third port 6. The lips 15, 16 abut against the valve element 8, thus ensuring that the cross-sectional dimensions and shape of the fluid passage through each of the openings 13, 14 at a given position of the valve element 8 are well defined. Thereby, precise and reliable control of the fluid flow through the valve 1 is obtained and the risk of internal leakage can be reduced. In addition, due to the small potential contact area, this is achieved with minimal friction between the movable valve element 8 and the other parts of the valve 1 (in particular the guide insert 12), since the valve element 8 only abuts against the lips 15, 16 and the sealing element 17, and the sealing element 17 prevents leakage between the second port 5 and the third port 6.

[0052] In Figure 3 [], the valve element 8 is positioned in the second end position where it abuts against the first valve seat 18. In the second end position, the fluid connection between the first port 4 and the second port 5 is completely closed and the fluid connection between the first port 4 and the third port 6 is completely open. The valve 1 also includes a second valve seat 19 against which the valve element 8 abuts when the valve element 8 is in the first end position, where the fluid connection between the first port 4 and the second port 5 is completely open and the fluid connection between the first port 4 and the third port 6 is completely closed.

[0053] Figure 4 and Figure 5 is Figure 3 details of the cross-sectional view of valve 1 shown inFigure 4 In [description of Figure 1], the valve element 8 is positioned in the first end position, against the second valve seat 19. In Figure 5 In [description of Figure 2], the valve element 8 is positioned in the second end position, against the first valve seat 18, i.e., Figure 3 the position illustrated in [description of Figure 2].

[0054] Figures 6a - 10b The movement of the valve element 8 of the valve according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. More specifically, Figures 6a - 10b a perspective cross-section of the guide insert 12 and the movable valve element 8 is shown, with the movable valve element 8 arranged within the guide insert 12 at five different positions between the first end position and the second end position. Figures 6a - 10b The illustrated guide insert 12 and valve element 8 belong to the Figures 3 - 5 type shown. For each position of the valve element 8, the guide insert 12 and the valve element 8 are shown in the figure from two different angles, denoted respectively as "a" and "b". It can be seen that, apart from the openings 13, 14 formed in the guide insert 12, the guide insert 12 is a substantially rigid and solid part.

[0055] It can be seen that the guide insert 12 includes a first guide insert 12a and a second guide insert 12b. An opening 13 towards the second port and an associated lip 15 are formed in the first guide insert portion 12a, and an opening 14 towards the third port and an associated lip 16 are formed in the second guide insert 12b.

[0056] It can also be seen that an internal space 20 is defined between the valve element 8 and the wall portion 21 of the guide insert 12. This allows debris or other impurities that may be present in the fluid flowing through the valve to pass through the valve 1 via the internal space 20, thereby preventing these impurities from reaching the valve element 8 or other parts of the valve that may be adversely affected by these impurities adhering thereto. In addition, the lips 15, 16 are shaped in such a way that they direct the impurities into the internal space 20, enabling the impurities to pass through the valve 1.

[0057] In Figure 6a and Figure 6b In [description of Figure 1], the valve element 8 is positioned in the first end position. Accordingly, the opening 13 towards the second port is fully open, and the opening 14 towards the third port is fully closed.

[0058] In Figure 7a and Figure 7b In [description of Figure 2], the valve element 8 moves slightly away from the first end position in the direction towards the second end position. Accordingly, the opening 14 towards the third port is slightly open, while the size of the opening 13 towards the second port is slightly reduced.

[0059] Since the openings 13, 14 are shaped in such a way that they are narrower in the regions close to the respective end positions than in the region where the first guiding insertion part 12a and the second guiding insertion part 12b are connected to each other, the fluid passage towards the third port through the opening 14 is smoothly and gradually opened, thus preventing undesired flow effects.

[0060] In Figure 8a and Figure 8b the valve element 8 moves further in the direction towards the second end position and is now substantially positioned at half-way between the first end position and the second end position. Accordingly, the fluid passages towards the second port through the opening 13 and towards the third port through the opening 14 are substantially of the same size.

[0061] In Figure 9a and Figure 9b the valve element 8 moves further in the direction towards the second end position and the fluid passage towards the second port through the opening 13 is in the process of closing. Due to the shape of the opening 13, this occurs in a smooth and progressive manner, thus preventing undesired flow effects such as water hammer.

[0062] In Figure 10a and Figure 10b the valve element 8 is positioned at the second end position. Accordingly, the opening 13 towards the second port is completely closed while the opening 14 towards the third port is completely open.

[0063] Figures 11 - 13 Fig. shows a guiding insert 12 for a valve according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 and Figure 12 are perspective cross-sectional views of the guiding insert 12 observed from two different angles, Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the guiding insert.

[0064] The lips 15, 16 can be clearly seen. It can also be seen that the lips 15, 16 extend along the edges of the respective guiding insertion parts 12a, 12b in addition to being arranged along the edges of the respective openings 13, 14, at which the guiding insertion parts 12a, 12b are connected to each other. Accordingly, the lips 15, 16 separate the fluid connection between the first port and the second port from the fluid connection between the first port and the third port.

Claims

1. A valve (1) comprising a valve housing (2) having a first port (4) and a second port (5), the valve housing (2) accommodating a valve element (8) movable between a first end position and a second end position, the first end position defining a fully open fluid connection between the first port (4) and the second port (5), and the second end position defining a fully closed fluid connection between the first port (4) and the second port (5), and wherein an intermediate position of the valve element (8) defines a partially open fluid connection between the first port (4) and the second port (5), The valve element (8) is movable along an opening (13) towards the second port (5), and the opening (13) towards the second port (5) is provided with a lip (15) along an edge of the opening (13), the lip (15) abutting against the valve element (8) at least in a region close to the opening (3).

2. Valve (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lip (15) follows a tapered or curved path along the edge of the opening (13).

3. The valve (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shape of the opening (13) towards the second port (5) is narrower in a region close to the second end position than in a region close to the first end position.

4. Valve (1) according to claim 3, wherein the edge of the opening (13) and / or the lip (15) follows a smooth curve between an area close to the first end position and an area close to the second end position.

5. The valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve element (8) is positioned at a distance from a wall portion (21) of the valve (1) in a region remote from the lip (15) so as to define an inner space (20) between the valve element (8) and the wall portion (21).

6. Valve (1) according to claim 5, wherein the lip (15) forms a guide surface for foreign matter towards the inner space (20) between the valve element (8) and the wall portion (21).

7. Valve (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lip (15) forms part of a separate guide insert (12) mounted in an inner part of the valve housing (2).

8. Valve (1) according to claim 7, wherein the separate guide insert (12) is made of a composite material.

9. Valve (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a first valve seat (18), wherein the valve element (8) abuts against the first valve seat (18) when the valve element (8) is in the second end position.

10. The valve (1) according to claim 9, wherein the first valve seat (18) is a sealing element.

11. Valve (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the valve (1) is a three-way valve and the valve housing (2) further has a third port (6), and wherein the first end position defines a completely closed fluid connection between the first port (4) and the third port (6), and the second end position defines a completely open fluid connection between the first port (4) and the third port (6), and wherein an intermediate position of the valve element (8) defines a partially open fluid connection between the first port (4) and each of the second port (5) and the third port (6), and wherein the valve element (8) is also movable along the opening (14) towards the third port (6).

12. The valve (1) according to claim 11, wherein the opening (14) towards the third port (6) is further provided with a lip (16) along an edge of the opening (14), the lip (16) abutting against the valve element (8) towards the third port (6) at least in a region close to the opening (14).

13. The valve (1) according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising a sealing portion (17) configured to prevent fluid flow between the second port (5) and the third port (6).

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